Matahari

Wasn’t expecting to buy anything here until I saw a cute strapless island dress outside on their mannequin. I decided to try it on to see how it looked. Finally found one that I can wear and fit in with the other tourists! Price was reasonable: $ 35.

Wow. I had long despaired at finding a great boutique store like I had frequented in San Francisco when I used to live there.
You know the kind: full of quirky, unique, stylish, modern clothing that didn’t break the bank but was made of quality material. The kind of stuff that you wouldn’t see on many people and that would have everyone complimenting you on your cutting edge style and the beauty of the outfit. I figured I was going to have to save my money for trips to the mainland so that I could continue to revive my wardrobe.
Then I saw THE DRESS.
THE DRESS was orange, strapless with a crocheted upper bodice and relatively simple. But the cut… so fresh… the color… like poppies… and the store… touristy Haleiwa… ugh.
I drove by it for at least 2 weeks. Pointed out THE DRESS to the boyfriend who thought it was lovely. Dreamed about THE DRESS. Lusted for THE DRESS.
Today, I visited the home of THE DRESS. I was sure THE DRESS was going to be pricey because the store is right across the street from Matsumoto’s Shave Ice. Prime tourist territory.
I was so, so WRONG!
The sales racks (that’s right, PLURAL!) were huge and filled with items that were totally wearable, stylish and well made. The regular priced items (THE DRESS) were not outrageously expensive. The jewelry is beautiful and inexpensive as well. Tourist items (t-​shirts and tanktops) were kept to a minimum and I appreciated that they were in the front of the store so as to get tourists in and out of my way.
For $ 104 I got 3 dresses, including THE DRESS. They are all beautiful and can be dressed up or down as I like. Best of all, they are unique enough that I know I won’t see them on any of the local girls but mainstream enough so I won’t stick out in a bad way.
I’m pretty sure that many of these items are made locally from fabrics that come from Indonesia and the like and I also heard the salesgirl (super friendly and helpful btw) tell another customer that the silk items were made from recycled saris.
Best of all, I don’t have to save my money for the mainland! I can single handedly boost the economy here!